Who calculated the approximate location of the planet Neptune by studying gravity-induced disturbances in the motion of Uranus?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is option 3 i.e. Urbain-Jean-Joseph Le Verrier.
French astronomer Urbain-Jean-Joseph Le Verrier calculated the approximate location of Neptune by studying gravity-induced disturbances in the motion of Uranus.
Explanation
- Le Verrier's calculations were based on Newton's laws of gravitation.
- He predicted that an undiscovered planet's gravity was affecting the motion of Uranus.
- Le Verrier informed German astronomer Johann Gottfried Galle of his findings in 1846.
- Galle and his assistant Heinrich Louis d'Arrest confirmed the existence of Neptune on September 23, 1846.
- The discovery of Neptune was a major milestone in the validation of Newtonian mechanics.